Selling Chometz: Rabbi Raichik will be available in the Shul to sell your Chometz from 9 to 10 am, and for a half hour after Maariv, or by appointment .

If you are leaving out of state, there is a special mechiras chometz form for a sale that will be done earlier. Rabbi Raichik will accept these forms until Motzei Shabbos.

Shaimos: Please DO NOT bring your shaimos to shul. There are shaimos services that will pick up for a small fee. The Yeshiva also has a shaimos depository. Shaimos left in the shul ends up in the garbage.

Lockers & Personal Items: Please remember to clean out your lockers of any chometz and remove all personal items from any public areas. ANYTHING LEFT WILL BE THROWN AWAY.

Matzah: As every year the Shul will help people buy Matzah, for themselves or for Mivtzoim. Please call and order, let us know what you need and when you will be picking it up. (We will provide envelopes and brochures).

As everyone is preparing for פסח there are lots of הלכות and מנהגים we should be aware of. Every מנהג has to be based in הלכה and there’s no basis to have מנהגים which has no base in הלכה. On the other hand we can’t be lenient on מנהגים which we do have.

There’s a story told that once someone came to the רבי' רש"ב and told him how great machine מצה is. The רבי' רש"ב responded with a משל: Once Czar Nicholas wanted to see what a ברית was so he disguised himself and went to see a ברית being performed. He saw the מוהל washing his hands with alcohol, cleaning the knife, and making sure that everything was clean and sterilized. After the בריתwas done, the Czar saw the מציצה- how the מוהל sucks out the blood with his mouth. The Czar said: “everything is fine and good but do you have to eat from it?” The רבי' רש"ב explained: Things can be fine and good, but not everything that is kosher for פסח do we have to eat. Especially in our times where Baruch Hashem we are living in a country where we can buy more on פסח than all year round, even non געבראקס. This story gives us a guideline in how to conduct ourselves.

There is a custom by אידן that on פסח we are more careful than the entire year because of the strictness of פסח. As Lubavitchers we are careful in געבראקס. The פריערדיקער רבי' says (in ספר השיחות תש'ג page 64), that when his father would eat מצה he wouldn’t eat any other food or drink with it. But, he would eat מצה with milk or wine that was so guarded that not even a drop of water went into the wine or milk. We see from here that the רביים did eat מילכיג. It’s not a custom of חב"ד not to eat מילכיג. With that said, we don’t have to eat every מילכיג product that’s Kosher for פסח. In today’s times, all wine, milk and cheeses are processed and contain some water, therefore, to dip מצה in wine or milk or to toast cheese on מצה is not okay if you’re careful with געבראקס.

The רבי' רש"ב was so careful that when he bought produce for פסח, he didn’t buy in a store that sold חמץ. You shouldn’t buy in a store that has חמץ right near the פסח food. If the store does sell חמץ, make sure the counter is covered before you put your פסחfood down on it.

For many of the הלכות of פסח, please check out the Chabad Chodesh on-line. The web site will also have stories of פסח by the רביים and סדרים by the רבי'. Please check it out.

We would like to thank all of you who have participated in our Ma'os Chitim appeal this year. It is well known how important this is - it is one of the first Halachos in Shulchan Aruch Hilchos Pesach, and the Rebbe would stress the importance of this great Mitzvah as well.

Those who have not had a chance to give can do so on the Shul website www.chabadofla.com/donate go to the drop-down menu under Purpose* and select Maos Chitim, or you can just write it in the Note at the bottom of the page.

May all of us have a Freilichen and Kosher Pesach in good health, and we should all merit this year to eat from the Korban Pesach in Yerusholayim with Moshiach.

Rabbi & Mrs. David Hoch in honor of their anniversary. May they have many more happy years together. Also, in honor of Rabbi David Hoch’s birthday. May he have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus.

The first print of the Rebbe’s Haggadah shel Pesach, which included a compilation of the minhagim of the Rebbeim for Pesach, was in 1946.

In 5708-1947, on Shabbos Chol HaMoed Sukkos someone asked the Previous Rebbe if the correct custom is to have honey on the table during Chol HaMoed. At that time the Previous Rebbe said that it would be a good idea to compile a complete collection of the minhagim of the Rebbeim. Later that year, when the maamar for Purim was printed for distribution, as an addition, it included a collection of minhagim at the end that the Rebbe compiled. This continued, and finally in 1966 these collections along with Sichos that related to the minhagim were combined to create Sefer HaMinhagim.

At an Achron shel Pesach fabrengen in 1940 the Previous Rebbe discussed the minhag of using a towel when washing each hand three times by netilas yadayim. The reason is to avoid touching the cup with wet hands. He told a story about a Shabbos guest by the Rebbe Rashab. After the Rebbe washed his hands, he offered the guest to wash as well. The guest proceeded to wash exactly the way he had observed the Rebbe washing. While he was washing the Rebbe was watching him intently. Later on, the Previous Rebbe asked his father the Rebbe why he had stared so intently at the guest while he washed. The Rebbe replied that it is a fine thing when a simple person emulates the minhag of a Ben Torah. If a Ben Torah, especially someone involved in Chassidus does so, he needs to be sure that he does so in a sincere and proper way.

In 5740-1980, parshas Titzavah, the Rebbe repeated this story and added that today we see that it has become a custom for everyone to wash three times with a towel. Are we on such a high level? The Rebbe explained that we are like midgets standing on the shoulders of giants. What once were great hidurim, even mehadrin min hamihadrin for a select few has now become the common minhag for everyone.

In Likutei Sichos volume 33 parshas Shlach the Rebbe discusses the proper way to wear tzitzis. There is a difference between the Shulchan Aruch and the Arizal, on whether to wear the tzizis on top or underneath one’s garments. Nevertheless, even according to the one who wears them underneath, the common minhag is to keep the strings on the outside. In 5743 on Shabbos parshas Miketz the Rebbe said that the minhag today is to wear the tzitzis on the outside. Therefore if he does not he is making a statement that he does not want to go in the ways of those that fear Hashem. He said that this is the way of those that fear Hashem and one should not deviate from the minhag.

The Rebbe also discussed that some have at times taken directives from his answers incorrectly. They quote answers that were given to specific individuals and then apply them to anyone in general. They often do not know the question asked and to whom the answer was given. Sometimes the minhag depends on the background of the individual. For example, Sefardim and Ashkenazim differ with regard to naming children after people that are alive. For Sefardim it’s an honor while Ashkenazim are very careful not to so. Since these minhagim differ, the proper way to understand the answer given is to know the context of the specific person being addressed. Also, the answer may be limited to the situation of the person. An example for this would be the difference in minhag in adding a name to a child after the name was given. For Sefardim it’s a shame for the person whom the child is named after, and therefore an addition should be avoided (except for special circumstances). Therefore, any answer given by the Rebbe to an individual depends on the person being spoken to, their place, as well as their situation. Therefore it is important to be careful when applying the Rebbe’s words when directed to an individual to anyone else.

In a fabrengen on Rosh Hashana 5739-1978, the Rebbe spoke of the great merit that this generation has for having received the guidance of the Previous Rebbe who revealed to us these minhagim. The minhagim we received are a preparation for the coming of Moshiach. They give us the strength that we need to fulfill all that is necessary for Moshiach’s arrival. They enable us to do what we need to do, not in a lifeless and lethargic way but in a way that is illuminated with profound insight and grasp that inspires true simcha shel mitzvah.

When we speak about the coming of Moshiach, often we use the expression to be; “Mikabel pnei Moshiach- to receive the countenance of Moshiach”. This also means to receive the penimius of Moshiach. This means something in addition to the removal of the burden of the nations and all the good things that the Rambam mentions that will occur when Moshiach arrives. To be mikabel pnei Moshiach means that we will continue to fulfill and add in our mitzvos until we grasp Hashem our Creator to the greatest measure that a person is able. We will merit receiving Moshiach with our utmost penimius, from the most profound perspective possible. As the Ramban says at the end of Hilchos Teshuva and at the end Mishna Torah that the Neveim and great Chachamim did not lust for Moshiach in order to rule over others or to receive the wealth and physical benefits of the era of Moshiach. Rather their lust was that there should calmness in the world in order have time to serve Hashem and be able to know Hashem in the greatest way possible.

Chassidus was revealed to the world to prepare us for Moshiach by giving us the knowledge of “Da es Elokei Avicha-to know the G-d of our Fathers”. An additional reason the minhagim were revealed to us in this generation is to prepare us to be mikabel pnei Moshiach.

Click here to pay up all your building fund, kibud or yiskor pledges and outstanding membership. Thank you to all of our supporters!!!

SUNDAY: Masbia Program. The shul kitchen will be open from 7am till 12pm. All foods are fine, including Milchig, Fleishig, Pareve, fruits, vegetables, frozen, canned and packed foods. All except foods cooked at home. Please note: If you can send proteins such as- chicken, meat, fish, and cheeses, it would be tremendously beneficial to these families. For your convenience, if you prefer having the food picked up from your front porch, please text 323-710-9954. Pick up time will be between 10am and 11:30am.

HaKomas HaMatzeiva (unveiling) for Reb Moshe Baruch (Marty) Fishman will take place on Sunday, 2 Nissan/March 18, 2:30 pm at Home of Peace - 4334 Whittier Blvd. East Los Angeles.

From the Heart One Hundred Percent;
Breaking through the Final Barriers

By Rabbi Shimon Raichik

In this week’s parsha of Parah we see the Kohen leave the sanctity of the Beis Hamikdash to purify Jews who became impure through contact with the impurity of death. Even though the Kohen himself would not only have to leave the holiness of the Beis Hamikdash he would also be required to become impure through the process. What motivated the Kohen to selflessly sacrifice his personal sanctity and lofty spiritual level was his interest and concern for others, even those that had sunk to the level of total impurity.

Last week on Purim we heard the Megillah discuss the moment when Mordecai revealed to Esther the decree that had been planned against the Jews. Esther heard that Mordecai was found in the street dressed like a mourner. When she sent a messenger to inquire about his welfare unaware of the decree, the Megillah describes why he was mourning by saying that he was mourning for “all that happened to him“, describing the decree that was planned to befall the Jewish people.

The Rebbe asked why it says “all that happened to him”, it should’ve said “all that happened to them” since it was referring to the Jewish people in general?

The Rebbe explained how Mordechai was a minister and probably had connections to personally get around the decree. Nevertheless because it was something that affected the Jewish people he treated it as if it was his own problem, and not someone else’s. This is why he took such a strong stand, ripping his clothes and mourning. He didn’t stand on the side; he got involved; he owned the problem.

The lesson to each one of us is clear. When we see someone in need it’s up to us to act decisively. When Rabbi Groner was in town he told a story about a young couple who had a Chassuna in front of 770 without music. The Rebbe, recognizing that there was no music asked why. Rabbi Groner explained it’s because the young couple can’t afford the musician. The Rebbe then directed the secretaries to contact a musician to come immediately and he will pay because a Chassuna needs music.

Other occasion a woman noticed that her neighbors didn’t have enough food. She reported the incident to the Rebbe’s office. The Rebbe made sure that a few hundred dollars was slipped under the door of that family.

In both of these situations the Rebbe didn’t wait for someone else to act. The Rebbe got personally involved because their pain was the Rebbe’s pain. It was taken personally.

I remember how my father, the Rebbe’s chosid cared for others like his own family. Even though he wasn’t able to pay their bills for them the fact that he cared for them comforted them as they would pour out their hearts knowing that they were not alone. Often this feeling of not being alone is what is really needed in times of difficulty. This is a lesson we learn from Mordechai, to care for others and to make it their problems our problems.

This is also the lesson of the selfless sacrifice of the Kohen in parshas Parah. The Kohen selflessly sacrificed his personal sanctity and lofty spiritual level because of his feeling of pain and caring for others who had sunk to the level of total impurity. He lifted them up giving them the opportunity to reascend into the kedusha and the service of the Bais Hamikdash, treating them just as if he himself was in that same situation.

Through breaking through the all barriers in our ahavas Yisroel, caring for the physical needs of our fellow Jew just as Mordecai did as well as the spiritual needs as the Kohen did even to the point of personal sacrifice both physically and spiritually, we will merit to see the breaking of the barriers of galus and greet the Moshiach with the geula emitis v’hasheima.

Click here to pay up all your building fund, kibud or yiskor pledges and outstanding membership. Thank you to all of our supporters!!!

A VERY BIG Thank you to Rabbi and Mrs. Mendel Duchman and Rabbi and Mrs. Dov Ber Chaiton for another unbelievably excellent KYY Purim extravaganza. May Hasehm bench them and their families with kol tuv se'la!!

The Bastomski Family for the yahrtzeit of their father Reb Avrohom Yitzchok ben Reb Yisroel ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya.

Mr. Shimon Benarroch for the yahrtzeit of Mr. Shimon Benarroch’s mother Rochel bas Reb Moshe ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya. Also, in honor of Mr. Shimon Benarroch’s birthday. May he have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus.

Rabbi & Mrs. Avrohom Klyne in honor of their anniversary. May they have many more happy years together. Also, for the yahrtzeit of Rabbi Avrohom Klyne’s father Reb Betzalel ben Reb Chaim Shneur Zalmen ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya. Also, in honor of Rabbi Avrohom Klyne’s birthday. May he have a shnas hatzlocho begashmiyus ubruchniyus.

In Haftorah for this week’s parsha Ki Tisa, we find that Eliyahu HaNavi had an debate with the naviyei of baal. During their confrontation Eliyahu instructed them to build two mizbachos; one for baal and one for Hashem. He called out to the Jewish People, “For how long will you straddle on two sides”. “If you are for baal then go after him, and if you are for Hashen, then go after Him”. They built two mizbachos and then brought two bulls. The naviyei of baal tried but no fire descended to consume their bull. Eliyahu davened at mincha time and then a fire descended from on high and consumed the bull offered to Hashem. When the Yidden saw the fire descend and consume the bull they exclaimed twice; “Hashem Hu EhElokim!”.

This incident begs the question; how could have Eliyahu HaNavi given the Yidden the option to go after baal ח"ו in place of their position of ambivalence? Eliyahu seemed to be saying that constantly juggling between two options is worse than serving baal all the time!?

The Rebbe explains that a person who ח"ו serves avodah zara has a fundamental misconception. From his perspective he has come to believe that the avodah zara has a power that is real. Because of this mistaken viewpoint he is convinced that he must be subservient to that avodah zara . Once he comes to understand that it is a false god, he will have complete regret and do sincere teshuva. This person is connected spiritually already, he simply made a mistake.

The person that juggles between worlds, holding stakes in both sides makes an even more difficult mistake. He knows Hashem is Elokim, the ruler of the world. He also believes that Hashem has “helpers” from whom he can receive ‘additional bonuses’. The center of this perspective is not Hashem or spirituality but himself and his personal gain! From this point of view, with his pursuit of the physical he actually forfeits the spiritual. Also. this kind of orientation makes teshuva much more difficult. He is convinced that he never left Yiddishkeit. As the once popular bumber sticker proudly proclaims; “We never lost it!” He thinks to himself that he was always a believer, and sadly enough that although that may be true, he nonetheless availed himself these ‘extras’ for his own reasons. Even more concerning is his effect on those around him. The one who is gone, is gone. This person however can be an example to others causing them to lead a similar lifestyle as well.

In America people can think that for parnassa, or to ‘with it’ he can put the Shuchan Aruch away, turn his back to make money, and find acceptability among his friends. He thinks to himself, “I am not a 19th century Jew!” If someone questions his activities, he exclaims; “Look at all the good I do”. If you recommend he change, he’ll say that there is nothing wrong with things the way they are. The Rebbe said that he is willing to sell his Yiddishkeit and his neshama to make it.

We need to know that the person who tries to live juggling between both worlds is defining himself in three ways. He is saying that it is OK to be 75 to 90% shomer Torah and Mitzvos. He is placing Hashem, Torah and Mitzvos and Olam Haba on the side ח"ו . He is setting an example towards others for this kind of behavior.

This is what Eliyahu HaNavi taught when he called out to the Yidden; “Until when will you straddle on both sides”, and ultimately brought them to a full and complete recognition that they called out twice; “Hashem Hu HaElokim!”